COWSHED

Monday 4 October 2010

Dancing (the week away)



Two weeks ago I started ballet again for the first time in ten years. Slowly, my body is remembering the familiar movements. There is something very soothing at standing in a ballet studio listening to a stern lady on a tape commanding "ronde de jambe a terre" "battement tendues" "reverance" and feeling my feet stretching and pointing, my shoulders relaxing and my posture improving. The computer tension sliding away. What I thought I was looking for in yoga but turns out I wasn't.

Four weeks ago I started salsa for the very first time. Slowly my body is able to do the basic steps without looking down all the time. Salsa brought with it two unexpected side effects (other than something to show off at a party): laughter. friends.

I also started a street dance class. We learnt a routine to a song called Green Light. On Friday night when I got back from the pub I kicked off my shoes and treated my friends to a preview... Turns out the chest 'thrusts' (I think that's the best description) are *way* easier after 5 rum and cokes. Who knew.

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Photo by Michelle Cassell via Flickr

10 comments:

Kristy said...

That sounds lovely, the return to ballet and the start of salsa & street dancing. I think I might feel the same if I found a football team to play with since I haven't played since college. I don't think I've gone salsa dancing more than twice since college, either. This should change. You may have inspired me to get off my lazy arse. ;)

I'm glad you found laughter and new friends. :)

Becky said...

Aah dancing is such a wonderful way to pass the time. With or without the rum and cokes!

Marie-Ève said...

Wow, all that dancing, it's wonderful. Must do you a lot of good... Take care.

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- Laura

elle said...

You inspire me.

Cate S said...

Hee. Gorgeousness. I have been dancing with a one-year-old and two four-year-olds. Also fun, but this did make me want some grown-ups' dancing.

east side bride said...

wow. I'm impressed, lady.

Spare Thoughts said...

Oh to have any sense of coordination. Good for you! I find that my dancing ability improves with alcohol I'm just not sure anyone else would agree.

Rachel said...

It is a lot of fun - I highly recommend just finding a class and having a go.

We are learning a routine to a Lady Gaga song. I look like somekind of grasshopper emerging from a cocoon (I know, two analogies which don't mix but it is what I look like)...

And, and, we are going to do a show in February. I'd forgotten how much fun that kind of shit was.

Engagement Rings said...

Its so great doing something you enjoy. So much better than the gym. Also useful. Great to be able to have a few moves at a wedding. Am a huge ballet fan. Clas`sically beautiful.